Due to the new European data protection law, we need your consent before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver
personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your
interests. By clicking “I agree” below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of
cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy
and Third Party Partners to learn
more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our
Terms of Service.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is officially banned from airplanes

Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 smartphones are banned from all aircraft in the U.S. starting on Oct.15. The move follows incidents of the phones smoking or catching fire, and reports of fires in replacement devices.

The Department of Transportation said Friday that airline passengers are no longer allowed to bring the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on a plane — whether it's turned on or not — starting Saturday, Oct. 15 at noon, Eastern.

The phone will not be allowed on the plane in any form; passengers cannot have it in carry-on luggage or checked baggage on any flight that goes to or from the United States.

Airlines have not allowed passengers to operate or charge their Note 7 phones for weeks, as many of the smartphone's users reported that the devices were catching fire and, in some cases, exploding. A smoking Galaxy Note 7 forced a Southwest Airlines flight to evacuate earlier this month. A formal recall followed, and Samsung has since discontinued the phone and offered full refunds or exchanges to anyone who still has the Note 7.

But if there are any air travelers who — for whatever reason — haven't made the switch yet, they'll have to be smartphone-free starting this weekend.

"We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority," said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a statement. "We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk."

Samsung has stopped production of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone after a series of explosions in the original and replacement models surfaced. (Jhaan Elker/The Washington Post)

The Transportation Department said that anyone who tries to take the smartphone on a plane opens themselves up to the risk of having the phone confiscated, as well as fines and "criminal prosecution."

The release also says that passengers found with the phone may be removed from their flights.

The ban also applies to having the phones shipped as air cargo — in fact, the release specified that Samsung has had to get a special permit from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to even ship the units by ground.

Samsung said that it is working with the Department of Transportation to get word of the ban out to all customers.

"We have encouraged airlines to issue similar communications directly to their passengers," the firm said in a statement. "Any Galaxy Note7 owner should visit their carrier and retail store to participate in the U.S. Note7 Refund and Exchange Program now. We realize this is an inconvenience but your safety has to remain our top priority."